Mention the month February and a number of events come to mind. For the outdoor enthusiast, the one event that stands out in my mind is the 26th annual Allegheny Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show held at the spacious facilities of the Monroeville Convention Center Wednesday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, February 20.

Produced by Expositions, Inc., the region’s only show dedicated to hunting, fishing and camping will offer hundreds of state-of-the-art exhibitors, dozens of live demonstrations, and many highly respected seminar presenters.

I can’t tell you how many of these shows I’ve attended, but each time I wasn’t disappointed. I always learned something from either viewing the many booths or listening to one of the featured speakers talk about what they know best, their fields of expertise.

For example, I tuned in on a gent speak about the best ways to catch walleye, a session on bird calling and turkey calling using special mouth pieces. All were highly educational.

According to Show Producer Chris Fassnacht, “Show attendees will be thrilled with presentations by animals experts from Jungle Island Zoo for Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH. Some of those beasts will be found in the ‘Please-Touch’ petting zoo and indoor pony ride pavilion while the more terrifying Gila Monsters, Sand Scorpions and giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches will be featured in ‘Snakes on a Stage’ performances and the Snake Pit – a slithering space designed only for the most fearless!”

As always, there will be a Trout Pond available for those youngsters who think they can hook into the sub-surface species. Over the years, the fish have ranged from about 12 inches to approximately 18 inches.

Youth will also have the opportunity to once again to pan for those minerals in the Gold Panning Zone. “Kids of all ages will be allowed to search for treasure using an authentic river sluice,” Fassnacht said.

Among local outdoor sports authorities, the Allegheny Sport Show is particularly noted for its hunting outfitters who hail from as far away as Maine, Colorado and even South Africa. They offer a range of state-of-the-art equipment that’s often difficult to locate at local retailers. But less experienced sportsmen will also want to stop by to check out the rods, reels, lures, hunting gear, electronic navigational devices and other equipment that’s slated to be on sale at some of the best prices of the season.

And water enthusiasts will want to spend time exploring the wide range of boats – boat hard core fishing and leisure pontoon - - on display.

Fassnacht is reminding that “Those planning spring and summer vacations will have the opportunity to chat with the show’s many seasoned travel professionals. On-the-go types can coordinate fun family camping adventures, adventuresome fishing charters, and even once-in-a-lifetime hunting excursion in exotic locales.”

Admission remains at a very low price, only $12 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted free! “Two Dollar Off” coupons for the show are available at participating McDonald’s restaurants.

The brand new Monroeville Convention Center is located across from the original site. It not offers free parking, but also a convenient ground level entrance.

For additional information, one may call Expositions, Inc. at 1-800-600-0307 or visit the website at http://www.sportandtravel.com/pittsburgh/.

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The Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s annual banquet is approaching very quickly. Have you gotten your ticket yet? It’s very important that everyone support this Latrobe-based organization. Its goals are set on conservation, restoration of resources and education of youth. This is a once a year fundraiser to cover the costs of the various projects lined up for the year. Won’t you help? Tickets may purchased at Ligonier Outfitters, 127 W. Main St, Loyalhanna Fishing Post, St. Rt. 30, both from Ligonier, and The Angler’s Room, one mile up from Kingston Bridge on St. Rt. 217.

One may also make cash donations as a way of contributing to FTTU by sending them to: Forbes Trail Chapter Trout Unlimited, Attn: Secretary, P.O. Box 370, Youngstown, PA 15696.

For additional information call FTTU President Monty Murty at 724-238-786.